Srinagar Kashmir is all set to host the first and biggest international summit this year. Preparations for the G20 summit are in full swing as Kashmir is all set to host delegates from several countries for the first time in its history. The event, which will take place from May 22-24 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism and trade sectors of the region. According to an ANI report, Athar Amin Khan the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation said that important structures and monuments have been decorated with lights, roads have been blacktopped and further repair works are underway.
To make the event beautiful and historic, the city of Srinagar has been converted into a smart city. The world-famous Dhal Lake is being decorated like a bride and the Shikara (boat) present in the Dhal Lake are being decorated with new colours.
Around 50 delegates, who are expected to participate in the G-20 meeting in Srinagar, will be taken on a tour of the beautiful tourist places of Kashmir along with Dhal Lake, especially the Taj Gulmarg. The tourism department believes that due to this event, Kashmir will come on the global map.
Srinagar is hosting a G20 event for the first time under India’s presidency amid tight security cover.
Security has been tightened in the Jammu region, particularly in border districts, and more than 10 Army schools have been closed as part of precautionary measures. The security agencies have identified infiltration routes and stepped up security to prevent any infiltration from across the border, officials were reported as saying on Thursday by PTI.
Security has been heightened in Jammu, particularly in border districts, and around all vital Army and security establishments.
Multi-tier security of Army, Border Security Force, police and Central Reserve Police Force besides Village Defence Committees has been activated along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
Security and checkpoints have also been strengthened along the Jammu-Pathankot highway, all vehicles are being checked and all movements are being monitored. In view of the threat perception, the officials said, more than 10 Army and other schools on the highway and in border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have been closed and online classes will be conducted for students till May 25.
In an advisory, police urged people to remain alert and check their vehicles before starting them. At Jammu's entry points, checking of vehicles and frisking of people are being done.
The G20 summit is expected to promote Kashmir internationally and give a new dimension to the tourism sector of Kashmir. The tourism sector is the backbone of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, and a record number of tourists are expected to visit Kashmir this year also. The summit will boost the tourism sector and help it touch new heights.
Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, said, "The G20 Summit Tourism will prove to be a milestone for the tourism sector, especially for international ones. This year, 300 places have been selected for the promotion of film tourism in UT."
G20 Summit includes- the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and the United States. The group meets on an annual basis and this time it is chaired by India.